You can be sure this year as the parties get out on the hustings, babies will be kissed, doors knocked and hands vigorously shook. But this Australian election campaign is already a lot different to others, with digital media playing a new and important role.

At Google, we believe that democracy on the web works, and also that the web can work for democracy.

Today, we proudly announced the launch of Google Australia's election website, allowing Australian voters to have an intimate look at the parties, candidates and election issues all in one Google location. We were delighted to have Joe Hockey and Peter Garrett in attendance, as well as video messages from the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.

These products, spanning across our Search, Maps, News, video, Earth, Trends, and iGoogle properties, will allow Australians to organise and digest election information more easily than ever. You can see the political landscape in Google Maps. You can access the latest news and information on your personalised Google homepage. Or you can have your say at Google's Australia Votes channel on YouTube. And much more.